Presentation on theme: "Launching the New Nation"— Presentation transcript:

3 Washington at the HelmGeorge Washington, commanding general of Continental Army during Revolution, unanimous choice to be the first presidentConstitution provided strong foundation, but lacked detailsWashington and his admin. would have to figure out a lot on their ownNeeded to figure how to…1. Raise $ and manage economy2. Provide for defense3. Set up a court systemSet many important precedents

4 Washington’s Cabinet Alexander HamiltonIn 1789 Congress created the first four executive departmentsThe heads of each of these departments made up the first cabinet – a group of advisors to the presidentSecretary of StateThomas JeffersonSecretary of TreasuryAlexander HamiltonSecretary of WarHenry KnoxAttorney GeneralEdmund RandolphAlexander Hamilton

6 1st Chief Justice of Supreme CourtCreating the CourtsConstitution said little about the structure of the judicial branchCongress passed the Judiciary Act of 1789 to establish structure of the courtsEstablished three levels of the Federal Judiciary- Supreme Court- Federal Courts of Appeals- Federal District CourtSupreme Court included 6 justices including a Chief Justice (today it is 9 justices)West v. BarnesPresident ChartJohn Jay1st Chief Justice of Supreme Court

7 Hamilton’s Economic PlanU.S. incurred millions of $ of debt from Revolution – some to other countries, some to U.S. citizens (bonds)Hamilton’s Plan Calls For...1. Fed. government to assume individual state debts2. Bonds to be repaid in full by National government3. National BankMany in South opposed plan – felt it favored the NorthNorthern and southern states strike a deal – Hamilton’s plan passes and capital moves to Washington D.C.

8 Hamilton’s Economic PlanDebate over Hamilton’s plan led to rift in Washington’s cabinet, formation of first political partiesHamilton and supporters of plan become Federalists, Jefferson and opponents of plan become Democratic- RepublicansBiggest divide over National Bank proposalFederalists believe Elastic Clause (Art. I Sec. 8) gives Congress power to create bank – “loose” interpretation of ConstitutionDem-Rep oppose bank, believe in “strict” interpretation

9 The Whiskey RebellionIn 1791 Hamilton’s proposed tax on the manufacture of American whiskey passed in CongressWestern farmers were outraged by the tax, and in 1794 the Whiskey Rebellion took place in western PennsylvaniaWashington sent in 13,000 troops to stop the rebellionDemonstrates the ability of the new government to enforce federal law

10 Democratic Republicans FederalistsBelieved in strong central governmentEconomy based on business/industryLoose interpretation of ConstitutionLed by Hamilton, John AdamsMost from NortheastBankers, artisans, merchantsSupported EnglishBelieved in states’ rightsEconomy based on farming – agrarianismStrict interpretation of ConstitutionLed by Jefferson, MadisonMost from South and WestFarmersSupport French

15 Election of 1796After 2 terms, Washington decides step down and retireIn his famous Farewell Address to the American people, he warns against sectionalism, political parties, and foreign alliancesPresidents Chart